Revised Standard For Seismic Performance Of Engineering Systems In Buildings

Standards New Zealand has published a revised standard specifying seismic performance of engineering systems in buildings, NZS 4219:2009, which supersedes NZS 4219:1983.

“After an extensive literature search, we believe this is still the only standard worldwide that specifies seismic performance requirements for engineering systems and their components,” says Stuart Ng, senior manager solutions, Standards New Zealand.

The standard helps to ensure engineering systems in buildings are securely restrained for an earthquake, to prevent them collapsing on people or damaging property. It also aims to ensure essential engineering systems continue to function in critical buildings during and after an earthquake (for example, that firefighting equipment will continue to function).

NZS 4219:2009 provides non-specific, prescribed design solutions for service engineers, and specific design solutions for structural engineers.

“Although NZS 4219 is primarily intended for building services engineers and systems designers, the reality is that structural engineers will often be called upon to advise on seismic aspects of engineering systems in buildings,” says Roger Shelton, BRANZ senior structural engineer. “For structural engineers, the standard provides a lot of simple short-cut solutions to everyday problems, and is consistent with the new loading standard, NZS 1170.5.”

Once referenced by the Department of Building and Housing, NZS 4219:2009 is intended to provide a means of compliance with the New Zealand Building Code Clause B1 Structure, Clause G10 Piped services, and Clause G14 Industrial liquid waste.

NZS 4219:2009 and NZS 1170.5:2004 can be downloaded from the Standards New Zealand website at www.standards.co.nz